Qatar's Al Gharafa were crowned champions of the 37th GCC men handball club cup winners championship for the first time in their history after beating compatriots Al Rayyan 25-20 in the final match that was staged at Al Gharafa Hall on Wednesday.
Qatar Media Corporation Chairman HE Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al-Thani handed the trophy to Al Gharafa as awarding ceremonies took place after the final whistle in the presence of Qatar Handball Association President Ahmed Al Shaabi; Al Gharafa Club president and president of the organizing committee, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Thamer Al-Thani; and a group of Gulf organizing committee officials.
The title is the first ever Gulf honor for Al Gharafa and comes on the back of a strong performance in the final against Al Rayyan to clinch the trophy that went to Al Rayyan last year.
In the third-place playoff match, Bahrain's Barbar beat compatriots Al Ahli 32-27 to win the bronze medals after a competitive match that took place ahead of the final.
The results mean Al Gharafa come first ahead of Al Rayyan, followed by Barbar and Al Ahli. Omani side Muscat were fifth, while Saudi Arabia's Al Noor were bottom in sixth place.
